The First United Methodist Church in Dexter will participate in a statewide day of service on Saturday, Sept. 10. The local projects are part of a state-wide effort that involves United Methodist Churches throughout the ShowMe State called SERVE2011.

Members from the Dexter United Methodist Church will spend Saturday, Sept. 10 in service in the community.

From serving those in nursing homes, to helping with cleanup in the city and helping at the local Rescue Mission, United Methodists in Dexter will be taking “the church outside the walls and out into the community.”

The local congregation is also sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Wesley Hall on the First UMC campus on North Walnut Street in Dexter.

The day Saturday will end with a community 9-11 Service of Remembrance at 3 p.m. at the “gathering spot” – the grassy property across from Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home on Stoddard Street in Downtown Dexter.

“We invite our friends and neighbors to join us as we pause and remember that tragic day 10 years ago,” said Loretta Reid, chairperson of the local SERVE2011 event. “Many of us remember our community coming together in grief and fear and shock 10 years ago in a community time of worship. This service will provide us the opportunity to remember the events of that day, and the sorrow and grief that swept across our nation.”

The service, she said, offers a chance to “observe this anniversary in a way that offers hope and to remember that God brings light into all darkness.”

Serve 2011 is a collaborative experience among the congregations of the Missouri Conference. Of the United Methodist Church. Each congregation in Missouri is challenged to serve their community outside the walls of their church the weekend of Sept. 10-11 and beyond. Through Serve 2011, Missouri United Methodists will be active, visible and outreaching to create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of His world.